Hopes for big yellowfinKevin Gleed | First Published: May 2005

Anglers in the Eden area are hoping for a good season on big yellowfin tuna – fish from 40kg to 70kg – as there have been more small yellowfin around this season than for several years past.

Yellowfin to 10kg have been regular captures out on the continental shelf although this season has been quiet for marlin from the Eden area. Places north of Eden have had a great season but we seem to have missed out somewhat.

There have been scattered schools of striped tuna from 40 fathoms out to the shelf but no big schools have shown up.

Kingfish to 7kg have been caught along the headland with the pick of the spots being Mowarrie Point although fish of the same size have been coming in from the inshore reefs to the north of Eden. As I mentioned last month, this is the time to expect the bonito to turn up but as yet none has shown.

Rock fishing in the area has been rewarding for those prepared to put in the time, with good catches of drummer, blackfish, bream and snapper.

The successful anglers are getting to their spots early, berleying heavily and using fresh bait like cunjevoi, weed, squid and pilchards. Heavy gear is needed to conquer the drummer because there have been quite a few fish of 3kg and more.

There has been a fair bit of dirty weather lately but the wind, rain and swell has made for some great action on snapper to 3kg.

Twofold Bay has been fishing well with boaties drifting fresh baits catching the odd snapper and plenty of flathead.

One angler fishing from the shore was lucky enough to capture a 30kg jewfish although the location hasn’t been prised from him.

The Kiah River has slowed down for flathead but plenty of yellowfin bream are still being caught on soft plastics and fresh bait.

The beach fishing for salmon has been patchy with only the odd fish around 3kg to report.

Wonboyn Lake has been fishing well for flathead, bream, tailor and whiting with plenty of holiday anglers going home happy.

The water is clear and recent rain hasn’t been enough to murk up the lake.

Salmon are still present along the beaches but recent big seas have made the fishing pretty testing for everyone. No doubt the salmon will improve as we head into Winter.